THIS PLACE

is article is part of “ is Place,” a series of occasional stories exploring what divides us - and unites us - in Rappahannock County. It also highlights those who work around discord to find solutions to community challenges.

“ is Place” is grounded in months of research by a team of Rapp News reporters and Foothills Forum volunteers who conducted not-for-attribution interviews with nearly five dozen county residents to discuss the rise of conflict and the decline of civility. ose interviewed included a range of ages, races, education levels, political leanings, socioeconomic standing and length of time living in the county. You can read the initial “ is Place” installment at

rappnews.com/this place

Almost all said they believe there has been an increase in divisiveness and conflict in recent years, similar to what has occurred in many other communities. e interviews, some hours in length, probed what’s behind it, as well as ways in which we come together.